Saddle Review: Ideal Ramsay

SADDLE REVIEW

Ideal Ramsay

Developed in conjunction with showing legend Marjorie Ramsay, this saddle delivers outstanding comfort and is, of course, perfect for the show ring.

Simone Addams’ Ideal Ramsay was, quite simply, ideal for her young Welsh Cob.

He wore it the first time he competed in some saddle classes, taking home a raft of trophies, medals and tri-coloured sashes. “It was an APSB show at Werribee a few months ago,” Simone explains. “The classes were big and there was a lot for him to deal with, but he coped very well even though he’s only four.”

Being a typically shaped Welsh Cob, Pen-nant Danceman, who was broken in by Simone, has a very wide flat back. “Finding an appropriate saddle is a massive issue,” she says. “A poorly fitting saddle can make the pony sore, and when you’re trotting on big wide Cobs you tend to get a bit of a roll on and run the risk of falling to the side if the saddle isn’t spot on.”

She first fell in love with the breed when working on a stud in W.A. and now owns two: Danceman and 10-year-old Gwynnellie Downs Magic Flute who, she says, is an absolute delight.

Simone began riding at three, but didn’t get a horse of her own until she was twelve. For many years she rode trackwork but gave it away after a serious accident. “I also had a lot of OTTs in the past and am presently caring for twenty horses at my Carin Park Equestrian Centre in Hamilton, an hour north of Warrnambool. We specialise in all aspects of equestrian care and management – racehorse spelling, foaling, rehabilitation, show horses, eventers and yearlings.”

Sharing her centre are an assortment of dogs, cats, pigs, goats, cows and pet sheep. “Vets use Carin Park as a meeting point to examine various horses in the district, and it’s also used for saddle fittings. I’m now learning this art and am waiting for my tools to arrive,” she says, a skill that will be handy when Danceman has an inevitable growth spurt and the Ramsay needs tweaking.

Simone felt that because the breed originated from the UK, a saddle made in the UK was the way to go. “I wanted a 17” extra wide low profile show or dressage saddle with short panels. I used to have an Enzo Treviso Lucia, also made in the UK.”

After a Google search, Simone arrived at The Saddle Hub and found the Ideal Ramsay: “The staff were efficient, courteous and knowledgeable. When I asked if they could check the panel length, a very important element, they came back with an answer in half an hour. The assistance was phenomenal. A fantastic and worthwhile experience.”

The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Browse through their fantastic range. All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. Terms and conditions apply.